I was watching a program on Netflix the other night . . . “Springsteen on Broadway” . . . I think that was the name of it. Anyway, it was basically a one-man show, Bruce Springsteen, taking us on a journey through his life and explaining how many of his songs were inspired by things that happened in his life. It was a fascinating look inside the creative process.
At one point he stated that song writers need to be ANGRY in order for their lyrics to truly be meaningful and touch thousands. He then modified that statement by saying PAIN of any sort will do, the point being that true lyrical genius comes from a deep well of emotions. In order to make people feel your words, it is necessary for you to feel them.
I heard, basically, the same thing on a show called “The Voice.” One of the coaches was telling her protégé to feel the lyrics of the song . . . that only by feeling those lyrics can you make the audience feel them as well. She went on to say that songs become powerful messages when they are born from angst or from a deep well of love.
I tend to agree with that. I’m not going to go so far as to say one cannot be a creative writer, or a poet, without angst, or anger, or pain, but I do think that those emotions fuel the truly great writers and poets. I know for a fact that my best writing has erupted forth from a vault of emotions I keep tucked away just below the surface of my persona.
Just something to think about as you go about your day.
By golly, it is Christmas! I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, or a very Happy Holidays, or simply the Finest Day of Love you can imagine!
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 